Campaign Chair, Mark Knutson, Pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church, stated: "Oregonians of all ages are rising up to stand alongside our young leaders who have seized this moment with courage and vigor to shape a safer future for all of us. “
Pastor Knutson is a Chief Petitioner of the effort to “Lift Every Voice” Interfaith Campaign to Ban the Sale Of Assault Weapons and Large Capacity Magazines in Oregon.
A co-petitioner is Rev. Alcena Boozer, former principal of Jefferson High School and Pastor Emeritus of St. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church, and Rabbi Michael Cahana of Congregation Beth Israel. The Treasurer is Imam Muhammad Najieb, Director of the Muslim Community Center of Portland and a veteran of the Marines.
Rev. Lynn Smouse-Lopez of Ainsworth United Church of Christ is serving as an alternate petitioner, and a number of other faith leaders and young leaders are serving on the campaign steering committee and six sub-committees. They hoped to obtain 2,000 signatures to take to Salem on Monday, March 26.
PORTLAND “MARCH FOR OUR LIVES”
KOIN reports that “Portland, Salem and Vancouver were among the cities across the globe holding "March for Our Lives" rallies, organized by Florida high school students after the slaughter of 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Valentine's Day. Event organizers estimate between 20-25,000 people attended the march and rally in Portland.